Sunday, October 7, 2018

Run Is All You Need

What a tough week--at least off the road, it was. I'm just so disheartened by current events. Mocking and lying seem to pass for acceptable conduct these days. If it weren't for this blog, I'd be inactivating my Facebook account. Instead of seeing running posts and posts about family, my feed this week was filled with contentious political posts and memes--from both sides.

What's a runner to do?

Shut it down. Log off. Get outside. Go for a run. Repeat.

It's all you need.

Running
My goal for the week was to get in 3 runs of 6 miles each. The cooler temperatures have certainly helped with that! Both Monday and Wednesday's 6 milers were nicely paced runs with temperatures hovering around 60 degrees. I'm still doing run/walk intervals and like last week, the run intervals feel like I'm running instead of slogging. To think that just a few weeks ago, I was so frustrated with running I was considering calling it quits!

On Saturday, I didn't run as planned. Instead, we hit the road early to travel to Madison again to watch my Badger play rugby. It was a triple header and he played in the first 2 games. Unfortunately, both those teams lost. The A game, which is the one that counts in the Big 10 standings, was outstanding. The Badgers beat Indiana decisively! On Sunday, I watched the start of the Chicago Marathon and then headed out for my run. I planned on 6-7 miles to the retention pond and back but ended up pushing it to 8. I ran in the same conditions that the marathoners did, 57 drizzly degrees with that cold wind off Lake Michigan. The conditions were good for some nice splits and my legs felt fresh, having not run since Wednesday! When I made the decision to cut back to running 3 days per week, I wasn't sure how it would go, but my legs seem to like it.

CrossFit
Coach Sammy Jo and I discussed my goals for the fall. She wanted to know if I wanted to work on endurance or strength. The strength work I've been doing for the past 5 years has really kept me relatively injury free on the road and I'd like to continue with that. I'm also going to continue with bootcamp, which should help me with endurance. Plus bootcamp is so much fun--in a sick kind of way that only athletes understand.

Most of what I did with Sammy Jo was upper body focused this week. I did 3 sets of static presses, 8 reps at 60#! I fought for those final reps. Then I did a couple of circuits of standing chest flies, plank shoulder taps, hollow holds, and 250m on the SkiErg. I finished with GHD situps. Bootcamp had a lot of running, which was great for me! We started with a 15 minute EMOM of tire strikes using the sledgehammer (my favorite activity), sumo deadlift high pulls, and hercules holds. The hercules holds were supposed to be using a chain but it was too heavy for me so I used dumbbells. That was a shame because I wanted to chant "Hercules, hercules" while I held the chains.

After that, we did an 18 minute AMRAP 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 reps of dumbbell push presses, strict hanging knee raises, and dumbbell box step overs. In between each AMRAP was a 200m run alternating with a 200m row. This was exhausting but as always, I finished feeling accomplished.

Yoga
I did 2 yoga classes this week. On Monday, I did Lululemon's 45 minute Restorative Flow which wasn't exactly restorative but was a very good post run stretch. On Wednesday, I did Five Parks Yoga's Stress Release and Stress Relief Yoga. I hadn't done that class before and it was excellent. Also on Wednesday, I stopped at the newly redone playground at the school by my house to play in handstand. The woodchips have been replaced with a soft, squishy surface and I thought it would make for a soft landing if I fell. While I was practicing, I did fall and skinned my knee. The grass is still the best place to land. The best part of all of this is when I got up after my fall, I noticed a little girl just staring at me. Crazy old lady!

The Chicago Marathon
I had plans to spectate the Chicago Marathon on Sunday. The struggle was real as I debated between heading downtown or going for a run. The yucky weather kind of sealed the deal for me. I was tracking quite a few runners and it doesn't seem that the conditions affected anyone's finish times. I won't deny feeling the FOMO, watching the coverage on TV and seeing all the runners on the course. Congrats to all the runners!!! Chicago is just the best marathon there is. I'd love to run it again...but for now:

How was your week? Did you run the Chicago Marathon? Did you watch the coverage on TV?

~~~~~~~~Weekly Wrap~~~~~~~~

Welcome to the Weekly Wrap, hosted by Holly and me! If you are new to the Weekly Wrap, please review the rules in the tab above. Be sure to grab our badge and link back to both of us! We truly ask that fitness bloggers only link with us. It's extra nice to comment on some of the other linkers' posts! Come back later in the week to check out who's linked up with us. You might find a new blog or 2 that you like! Thanks as always for supporting the Weekly Wrap.

As we were back into the mid 80's this week, I really struggled on my runs. All the good feels from last week kind of evaporated. I was pretty discouraged and knew I needed to have a good run yesterday. Took advantage of the slightly cooler temps and went back to shorter intervals. That seemed to do the trick and I am much happier today

It was also our big local race this weekend, with many friends running and/or volunteering, but it was a family day for me with all 3 siblings, my parents, and a couple of nieces. We don't see my brother too often as he lives on the west coast.

I know absolutely nothing of what happened . . .

Sounds like you had a pretty good week. You are definitely not old, but I admire your confidence to do handstands anywhere!

I ran the Chicago Marathon once, and loved it. The year I ran it, it was rainy and 39 degrees at the start. The winner slipped on the decal painted on the street at the finish line, hit his head, and had to be taken away by ambulance. What a finish! Of course, I was 2 hours behind him...:)

I sure hear you about current events. I'm off f/b for the time being. I can't de-activate, it's my main source of communications, but I'm taking a vacation.I am thrilled that you are able to back off from your [brief] consideration to stop running. While you are still juggling with the thought, it is not yet time. When that time arrives, whether it's a year, or two, or five, or ten, or even more, you will no for sure. I know. I'm there. MRI on Wednesday to evaluate the severity of the meniscus tear. Hopefully it will be easily fixed. But with a couple of mishaps, several falls, and osteoporosis, and about to hit sixty-six, I know it's time. And it's okay. I have a feeling you will surpass my age and still be running. You are a running beast!Sending love and hugs your way, not crazy old lady.

We are anticipating 60 degree mornings later this week and you know what? I'm going to run, no matter how my dumb calf is doing. It's too much to have run through the sweaty hot summer and then not run when it cools down, right? Your happiness at how good your cool-weather runs were just proves my point. :)

I actually downloaded the app so that I could track a few people. It was fun to "watch" from California! As for Facebook, I agree. It's been hard, but I have found that most of my Facebook feed agrees with me, which makes it a lot easier to swallow. :-) And if they don't, I just scroll by, no need to engage since I'm not going to change anybody's mind. We just have to hope that events will continue to do that, slow as it is.

I have hidden a lot from my FB feed the past couple of years. I'm not surprised that some people will excuse any behavior as long as it's from their "team", but learning which people I personally know hold that attitude never ceases to disappoint.

I've never watched a marathon on TV...or in person...someone is probably going to come revoke my runner's card now.

I'm glad you had some great workouts this week! I always enjoy seeing what you do in boot camp. Yeah, Facebook...it's been awful. And the people who agree with me on the latest happenings are sometimes the most annoying, because it's just too much negativity. I've been retreating to IG a lot more too since it's more of an escape!

I should probably stay away from the marathon distance at this point, but if I ever had the opportunity, I'd LOVE to run Chicago!

Crazy Old Lady -- Isn't that a compliment? LOL. My runs are still hanging out at the frustrating level. I'm still holding out for some good ones, though. You give me hope. As you know, I refuse to watch or listen to the news. I have enough stress in my life. Yes, I feel quite stupid and uninformed sometimes -- but ignorance is bliss.

No matter which side of the political fence you're on, we all have to admit that this was way out of control! Like you, I just tuned it all out. I'm so disheartened at the direction our country has gone. Thank goodness for the simplicity of running!!

Congrats on your great runs (and other workouts) this week! I still debate my sanity in my decision to run Chicago. By mile 14 I felt absolutely horrible but I was determined to finish. I wondered if you would be out there. Congrats to your Badger (although we are an IU family, so there's that...)

On Facebook, I finally had to go with a "one strike and you're out" policy. I unfollow (not unfriend) anyone who posts anything political. I don't care which side you're on, I don't want to see it. I want to see pictures from races, your kids in their fancy prom clothes, vacations, etc.

I cut back to running three days a week several years ago and it has worked well for me. Like you, I lift and do yoga so I'm getting a well-balanced fitness routine. 57° and drizzly sounds like great marathon running weather, but I heard there was a little wind which would be a bummer.

I think everyone knows where I stand politically. I don't see the point in posting things that are only going to flame people up. I'm pretty disappointed in some of my friends from my youth. I wish they'd kept their ideas to themselves!

I sure miss being able to head out for a run! It is such a mind-clearer and de-stressor. My little stationary bike is nice but just doesn't have the same effect. You have such a great variety in your weekly workouts. That's something I'm working towards as I'm on the mend and hoping to prevent re-injuring. Like ever again. No more injuries!!!

HI! I'm Wendy! I've been a runner most of my adult life. My motivation for running has changed over the years but my love for all the miles has endured. I have rheumatoid arthritis and while I've had to make adjustments in the way I train, my drive to keep on running is stronger than ever! Running's been good to me. I've been fortunate to realize my life dream of running the Big Sur Marathon as well as running Chicago 3 times. What's next? I pulled the trigger and got a spot in the Ice Age Trail 50k, rescheduled to September. Life's an adventure, isn't it? I also enjoy yoga, CrossFit, cycling, strength training, kayaking, SUP, and waterskiing. I don't plan on stopping anytime soon. Come join me for a run some time!

Copyright Notice

All files and information contained in this Website or Blog are copyrighted by Wendy Rivard/Taking the Long Way Home, and may not be duplicated, copied, modified or adapted, in any way without our written permission. Taking the Long Way Home may contain our service marks or trademarks as well as those of our affiliates or other companies, in the form of words, graphics, and logos. Your use of Taking the Long Way Home does not constitute any right or license for you to use our service marks or trademarks, without the prior written permission of Wendy Rivard/Taking the Long Way Home. Our Content, as found within our Website/Blog, is protected under United States and foreign copyrights. The copying, redistribution, use or publication by you of any such Content, is strictly prohibited. Your use of our Website and Services does not grant you any ownership rights to our Content.

If you are reading this content on any other website than takinglongwayhome.com, know that the content has been stolen and possibly altered from Taking the Long Way Home. It would be appreciated if you would contact me to let me know if you have seen my content on any other websites. Thank you so much.

Disclosure Statement

Taking the Long Way Home is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.